Portable demucosant

ABSTRACT

VACUUM DRAWN IN THE VESSEL. IN ANOTHER EMBODIMENT THE APPARATUS INCLUDES A SECOND VENA CONTRACTA IN THE BOTTOM PORTION OF THE VENTURI TUBE FOR ASPIRATION OF COLLECTED MTTER FROM THE INTERIOR OF THE VESSEL. THE APPARATUS OF THIS INVENTION MAY BE USED CONVENIENTLY AND WITH SAFETY IN THE HOME BY CHILDREN AND ADULTS.   A PORTABLE, SELF-CLEANSING APPARATUS FOR ASPIRATION AND REMOVAL OF SIMUS FLUIDS AND/OR TRACHEAL SECRETIONS, ETC., IS SHOWN. THE APPARATUS INCLUDES A VESSEL AND A VENTURI TUBE EXTENDING INTO THE VESSEL WHICH DRAWS A VACUUM THEREIN. IN A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION THE VENTURI TUBE PASSES THROUGH THE VESSEL AND INCLUDES A RECIRCULATION CONDUIT DOWNSTREAM OF THE VENA CONTRACTA OF THE VENTURI FOR PROVIDING A CLEANSING, RECIRCULATING FLOW OF MOTIVE WATER INTO THE VESSEL. THE RECIRCULATION CONDUIT MAY HAVE A WATER TREATMENT LENGTH AND FLOW CONTROL AND MEASURING DEVICES TO MEASURE THE

United States Patent [191 Abrahams et al..

[ PORTABLE DEMUCOSANT [75] Inventors: Michael A. Abrahams, East Orange,

NJ Alvin Brent Blacksburg, Flushing, N.Y.; SidneyRand, Elmhurst, NY.

[73] Assignee: Breath-E-Z Corporation, Flushing,

[22] Filed: Aug. 6, 1971 211 App]. No.: 169,780

52 us. C1. 128/277 [51] Int. Cl A61m 1/00 [58] Field of Search 128/276-2'78f299-300 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 944,252 12/1909 Bassler 128/277 1,155,147 9/1915 Gray 128/300 1,202,971 10/1916 Daiber 128/277 7 3,485,246 12/1969 Austin,.lr. 128/277 Rrimqry Examine rfCharles F. Rosenbaum I U I H g V Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Curtis, Morris & Safford 57 v ABSTRACT A portable, self-cleansing apparatus for aspiration and removal of sinus fluids and/or tracheal secretions, etc., is shown. The apparatus includes a vessel and a venturi tube extending into the vessel which draws a vacuum therein. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the venturi tube passes through the vessel and includes a recirculation conduit downstream of the vena contracta of the venturi for providing a cleansing, recirculating flow of motive water into the vessel. The recirculation conduit may have a water treatment length and flow control and measuring devices to measure the vacuum drawn in the vessel. In another embodiment the apparatus includes a second vena contracta in the bottom portion of the venturi tube for aspiration of collected matter from the interior of the vessel. The apparatus of this invention may be used conveniently and with safety in the home by children andadults.

.16 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEDSEP Y V 3,833,001

' Slit! 1 N 2 FIG. 4

INVENTORS. MICHAEL A. ABRAHAMS I v ALVIN BRENT BLACKSBURG 1 BYSIDNEY RAND AITOINEYS PATENIEDSEP 31924 SKUZUF 2 0 m ,i w

FIG. 2

INVENTORS MICHAEL A. ABRAHAMS ALVIN BRENT BLACKSBURG BY SIDNEY RAND M 9% ATTORNEYS I II I II II I,

1 PORTABLE DEMUCOSANT This invention relates to an apparatus for the aspiration and removal of body substances. More specifically, this invention relates to a portable, self-cleansing apparatus for aspiration and removal of fluids from the sinus cavities and/or trachea.

Many persons are inflicted with allergies, sinus aliments, and post-nasal drips which cause congestion in the nostrils and sinus cavities. Other persons, following necessary surgical procedures whereby tracheal aspiration is required, Often build up secretions in the trachea. The mucous membranes and/or trachea of such persons produce excessive mucous and fluids causing considerable discomfort. More seriously, the afflicted membranes are a potential situs for infection.

Typically, persons afflicted with sinus conditions and/or tracheotomy make occasional visits to a doctor to have the excess fluids removed from their sinus passages and/or trachea. Doctors specializing in this area have relatively elaborate equipment'for removing the fluids and relieving the congestion. These visits to a doctor are relative expensive as well as inconvenient and time consuming for the patient. For this reason, these trips to the doctor are made less frequently than they should be and the patients discomfort and/or risk of infection is increased.

It is thus a primary object of this invention to provide an apparatus for the removal of fluids from the nostrils and sinus passages and/or trachea of a person.

It is a further and related object of this invention to provide an apparatus which is inexpensive and portable and which will aspirate fluids from sinus passages and- /or trachea and remove these fluids hygienically.

It is still a further object of this invention to produce an appratus which can be used without the supervision of doctors or skilled technicians and which can be used conveniently and frequently in the home.

It is still a further and related object of this invention to provide a portable 'aspirator for sinus fluids and tracheal secretions which is self-cleansing, selfdemuculating and self-disinfecting.

It is a final object of this invention to provide a portable, home aspirator havinga variable and controllable suction, so that it can be used by persons having different conditions and by children as well as adults.

These and other objects of this invention are achieved in an apparatus which in its broadest embodiment comprises a vessel and a venturi tube extending into the vessel through a venturi inlet port. The vena contracta of the venturi tube communicates with the interior of the vessel through a suitable duct. An efflu- ..v ..u.. 2 oriented tangentially with respect to a wall or walls of the vessel so that a cleansing flow is established and the apparatus desirably includes a compartment or magazine adapted to contain a solid substance for dyeing, demuculating, disinfecting or otherwise treating the fluids which enter the vessel. I

In a preferred embodiment of this invention the portable, self-cleansing apparatus comprises a vessel having a venturi tube extending downwardly through it from a first venturi port in an upper wall thereof to a second venturi port in a lower wall thereof, the vena contracta of said tube again communicating with the interior of the vessel. A recirculation conduit is provided and joins the venturi tube at a point below the vena contracta. It extends from that point upwardly to a higher position within the vessel. A primary purpose of this recirculation conduit is to draw off a portion of the motive fluid, e.g., water, passing through the venturi tube, and pass it upwardly into the vessel where it can clean the interior thereof. The recirculation conduit has other equally important functions. A length of it can be used for emplacement of a flow measuring and/or a flow control device which control and measure the flow of water passing through the recirculation venturi tube extending downwardly through the center ent port in the lower wall of the vessel is provided for removal of matter which is aspirated into the vessel and an aspirator port is provided in an upper wall of the vessel for connection to a flexible conduit used to draw out the sinus fluids and/or tracheal secretions.

In operation, a source of motive fluid, most conventiontly water, from a household faucet, is passed through the venturi tube and into the vessel and in so passing induces a vacuum in the interior of the vessel. Sinus fluids and/or tracheal secretions pass through the conduit attached to the aspiration port into the vessel and are removed from the vessle through the effluent port in a solution or suspension formed in the water introduced to the vessel through the venturi tube. Desirably, the venturi tube terminates in a conduit which is of the vessel from a first venturi port in the top wall to a second venturi port in the bottom wall. The first vena contracta is positioned intermediately between the top and bottom ports and communicates with the interior of the vessel. The second vena contracta is located below the first vena contracta and near the bottom of the vessel and it communicates with the interior of the vessel at the lowest level thereof and thus comprises an effluent vport for the vessel. It provides a most effective means for removing all of the liquid and solid matter aspirated into the vessel. Desirably, a recirculation conduit is provided which joins the venturi tube at a point between the first and second vena contractas and extends thence upwardly to a higher position within the vessel. The recirculation conduit may include flow controland flow measuring means and a length adapted to contain a solid but pervious substance for treatment of the water passing therethrough. Desirably, this length communicates with the top wall of the vessel through a supply port which may be sealed off or opened for insertion of the treatment substance.

The apparatus is further described below in connection with the drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a view of a portable, self-cleansing apparatus according to the present invention being used in a sink by attachment to the faucet; 7

FIG. 2 is a section view of the apparatus according to this'invention;

FIG. 3 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 taken along lines 3-3 of FIG. '2;

FIG. 4 is a section view of the preferred embodiment of this invention having a double venturi tube; and

FIG. 5 is a partial secitonal view of a further embodiment of this invention having a different drain design.

In FIG. 1 reference numeral refers to a person using the apparatus of this invention. Reference numeral 12 refers to the apparatus of this invention connected to an ordinary water faucet 14 on sink 16. Apparatus 12 is vertically positioned with its lower, effluent end 18, positioned above drain of sink 16. Apparatus 12 is connected to faucet 14 by an adapter 22 and the rate of flow of water through the venturi tube is controlled by means of faucet controls 24 or 26. A vacuum is drawn within apparatus 12 and reference numerals 28 and 30 refer to an aspiration port and flexible conduit respectively for transmitting the vacuum. The person 10 is shown holding the flexible conduit 30 and inserting a probe on it into his sinus passages. A tracheal catheter (not shown) would be used in lieu of the aforesaid probe in those instances where tracheal aspiration is desired.

In FIG. 2 reference numeral refers generally to an apparatus of this invention. Reference numeral 52 refers to a vessel having a cylindrical shape which includes sidewalls 54, bottom wall 56 and top wall 58. Apparatus 50 includes a venturi tube 60 which extends downwardly into vessel 52 through venturi inlet port 62. Venturi tube 60 includes a contracting zone 64, vena contracta 66 and an expanding zone 68. Reference numeral 70 refers to an opening in tube 60 which provides communication between the vena contracta 66 and the interior of vessel 52. The lower end of tube 60 includes a circular length 72 which imparts a motion to the motive fluid substantially tangential to the walls of vessel 52. This is best shown by reference to numeral 74 in FIG. 3. Vessel 52 further includes an effluent port 76 located in its bottom wall 56, at the lowest point thereof, and an aspiration port 78 in the top wall 58 which may be adapted with a short tube 80 for connection to a flexible conduit 82 such as is shown by reference numeral 30 in FIG. 1. Vessel 52 finally includes a compartment designated by reference numeral 84 in its lower part which contains a solid substance for treating the concents of the vessel. Thus, compartment 84 may have a foraminous wall 86 which permits the water and aspirated fluid contents 88 of vessel 52 to come into contact with the solid substance 90 in compartment 84. Solid substance 90 may typically be a decongestant and/or disinfectant and/or an anti-mucosant for the purpose of the neutralizing, decomposing and rendering less objectionable the matter which is aspirated into vessel 52. The solid substance 90 may also contain a dye or deoderant to mask any unsavory appearance or odor within vessel 52. As shown in FIG. 2, solid substance 90 comprises a porous plug of glass wool, or other substance impregnatedwith one or more active treatment substances. Compartment 84 is at the lower end of a tubular magazine identified by reference numeral 92. Magazine 92 extends along a wall of vessel 52 from a top supply port 94 in top wall 58. Supply port 94 may be opened or closed by means of a conventional screw cap 96. Any other suitable opening/sealing stopper may be used. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, reference numeral 98 refers to a spring in magazine 92 which urges solid substance 90 into lower compartment 84 so that it is effectively in contact with the inventory 88 of vessel 52 through foraminou's wall 86.

In operation, the portable apparatus of this invention is used in a sink as shown in FIG. 1 and the venturi tube 60 is attached to a water faucet 100 by means of any suitable mating collar 102. As shown in FIG. 2 mating collar 102 is a simple rubber sleeve, but any other suitable mating connection can be used. The faucet is then turned on and it provides a stream of motive water, designated by reference numeral 104. The motive water 104 passes downwardly through venturi tube 60 causing a vacuum to be drawn in vessel 52. The user of the apparatus can then relieve himself of congestion in his sinus passages and/or trachea by the method discussed in connection with FIG. 1 and the aspirated matter 106 is drawn into vessel 52 and becomes intermixed with the motive water 104. The mixture of motive water and aspirated matter than passes out of effluent port 76 as shown by reference numeral 108.

FIG. 4 depicts the preferred embodiment of this invention. Reference numeral refers to a portable, self-cleansing apparatus having particularly improved features. Apparatus 150 includes a vessel 152 of generally cylindrical shape having side wall 154 and bottom and top walls 156 and 158 respectively. Reference numeral 160 refers to a double venturi tube extending vertically downwardly through the center of vessel 152 from a first venturi port 162 to a second venturi port 164. Venturi tube 160 includes a first vena contracta 166 located between the top and bottom walls 156 and 158. Vena contracta 166 communicates via passage 168 with the interior of vessel 152 and vacuum is drawn in the vessel through this passage. Venturi tube 160 is a double venturi tube and has a second vena contracta 170 located near the bottom of vessel 152. Vena contracta 170 communicates via a passage, 172 with the lowest level of the vessel and thus draws liquid and solid matter collected in vessel 152 into the lower port of the venturi tube and out of the apparatus. It thus serves the function of the effluent port having a positive means for withdrawing drawing matter from the vessel. This keeps the interior of vessel 152 clean of noxious matter.

A recirculation conduit 174 is provided and it joins double venturi tube 160 at a point between the first and second vena contractas. Recirculation conduit 174 then passes downwardly and to the side wall 154 of vessel 152 and thence upwardly in a straight length designated by reference numeral 176. Length 176 is provided with a rotameter of conventional design designated by reference numeral 178. Rotameter 178 includes a narrowed interior passage 180 to provide a controlled flow characteristic, rotameter bob 182 and flow calibrations 184. Depending upon the rate of flow of motive water thorugh recirculation conduit 174, rotameter bob 182 will float higher or lower and thus indicate not only the flow through that conduit but the degree of vacuum drawn in the interior of vessel 152. Above length 176 of recirculation conduit 174 is a restriction orifice 186 which is sized to provide a controlled flow through recirculation conduit 174. It is possible to use a needle valve or any other suitable valve means for controlling the flow through recirculation conduit 174 in order to establish a flow with which the readings of rotameter 180 can be calibrated with the vacuum drawn in vessel 152. It will also be understood by those skilled in the art that rotameters of different designs may be emplaced in length 176 of the recirculation conduit or that otherconduit type flow measuring devices such as orifices and pressure differential meters may be used. Likewise, different flow control devices may be installed, preferably downstream of the flow measuring device, in order to establish a flow characteristic with which the vacuum can be' calibrated.

Located above restriction orifice 186 is a length 188 in which-is placed a solid, but pervious substance 190 for treatment of the liquid passing through the recirculation conduit. As discussed above, in connection with FIG. 2, this substance may include antimucosants, disinfectants, dyes and deoderants to neutralize any noxious matter aspirated into vessel 152. As shown schematically in FIG. 4, solid substance 190 comprises a plug of pervious glass wool, or other similar substance, having impregnated in it one or more of the treatment substances discussed above. Length 188 is in fact a magazine communicating with a supply port 192 in the top wall 158 of vessel 152. Supply port 192 may be sealed by means of a screw cap 194 or other suitable opening and sealing means. The pervious plug 190 is urged downwardly to a point below the effluent end 196 of recirculation conduit 174, by means of a spring 195. Other means may be used to retain the solid treatment substance in the path of the recirculating water.

Vessel 152 finally includes an aspiration port 198 adapted with a short pipe section 200 for connection to a flexible conduit 202. The latter may have any suitable probe on it for use as discussed in connection with FIG. 1. The upper end of venturi tube 160 may include any suitable coupling device 204, for connection of it to a faucet 206. The lower end of venturi tube 160 may be provided with a splash guard 207 having flow breakup means such as metal pins 208 and/or screens 210.

In operation, the water flows through faucet 206 into double venturi tube 160 providing a vacuum in vessel 152. The low pressure zone created in the second vena contracta 170 draws the contents of vessel 152, designated by reference numeral 212, into the venturi tube and thereby effectively removes both the portion of motive water recirculated via conduit 174 and the matter aspirated into vessel 152 via conduit 202 and port 198. Thus, a portion of the motive fluid passes upwardly through rotameter 178, restriction orifice 186 and treatment length 188 and then passes into vessel 152 via the exit end 196 of conduit 174. By control of the size of the restriction orifice or other flow control device and by proper calibration of the size of the recirculation conduit and rotameter, it is possible to calibrate the flow through circulation conduit 174 against the degree of vacuum drawn in vessel 152. This provides an improved measure of flexibility in using the apparatus of this invention and avoids the dangerous aspects of drawing too much vacuum which might lead to the discomfort of the user. The motive fluid as it passes out of effluent end 196 serves to cleanse the interior of vessel 152 and dilute the matter aspirated into the vessel. The recirculated motive. water and the aspirated fluid are removed from the vessel via the second vena contracta.

In FIG. 5, a further embodiemnt of this invention is shown having no second vena contracta. Reference numeral 252 refers to the vessel and reference numeral 260 to the venturi tube. The recirculation conduit is represented by reference numeral 274 and it may be provided with flow control, flow measuring and water treatment length as is described in connection with FIG. 4. Likewise, the lower end of venturi tube 260 may be provided with a splash guard 280 to break up the flow of water. Drainage of the contents 286 from the interior of vessel 252 is via an effluent port 288 having a plug cock 290 and if desired a flexible conduit 292 to direct the flow of effluent materials directly into a drain. The apparatus of F IG; 5 is somewhat less selfcleansing than is the apparatus of FIG. 4 for the reason that the inventory 286 in vessel 252 is not positively removed from vessel 252 as in FIG. 4. Rather the drainage is by gravity.

The apparatus is preferably formed from light-weight materials such as plastic but may be constructed from any suitable material. The invention provides a flexible and safe apparatus for treatment of those persons with tracheostomies or those suffering from sinus conditions and may be used in the home with maximum safety. The cost of medical attention required by the user is substantially reduced and he may relieve his discomforts frequently, conveniently and with safety by using the portable apparatus of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A portable, self-cleansing apparatus for aspiration and removal of body substances including the elements of: a vessel; a venturi tubeextending into said vessel through a venturi inlet port therein, the vena contracta of said tube communicating with the interior of said vessel; an effluent port in the lower wall of said vessel for removal of matter aspirated thereinto; an aspirator port in said vessel in an upper wall thereof; and a compartment in the loer part of said vessel adapted to contain a solid substance for treating the contents of said vessel. 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said compartment is at the lower end of a tubular magazine extending from a top supply port in said vessel, said supply port including means for opening and sealing off said magazine.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said magazine includes spring means for urging a solid treatment substance into the compartment at the lower end thereof. 4. A portable, self-cleansing apparatus for aspiration and removal of body substances including elements of: a vessel; a venturi tube extending downwardly through said vessel from a first venturi port in an upper wall thereof to a second venturi port in a lower wall thereof, the vena contracta of said tube communicating with the interior of said vessel; a recirculation conduit joining said venturi tube at a point below the vena contracta and extending thence upwardly to a higher position within said vessel; an effluent port in a lower wall of said vessel for removal of matter aspirated thereinto; and an aspiration port in said vessel in an upper wall thereof.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said recirculation conduit has a flow measuring device in it.

6. The apparatus'of claim 5 wherein said recirculation conduit includes a substantially vertical length having a rotameter therein.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said recirculation conduit includes a flow control device.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said flow control device is a restriction orifice or valve downstream of said flow measuring device.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said recirculation conduit includes a length adapted to contain a solid but pervious substance for treating the fluid passing therethrough.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said length comprises a magazine communicating with a supply port in a wall of said vessel and including a support for said treatment substance, means for opening said sealing said supply port, and means to hold said treatment substance in place within said magazine.

11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said venturi tube includes a second vena contracta below the position where said recirculation line joins said venturi tube and near the bottom of said vessel, said seocnd vena contracta communicating with the interior of said vessel at the lowest level thereof and thus comprising the said effluent port for removal of matter aspirated into said vessel.

12. The apparatus of claim 4 including a compartment in the lower part of said vessel adapted to contain a solid substance for treating the contents of said ves sel.

13. A portable, self-cleansing apparatus for aspiration and removal of body substances including the elements of: a generally cylindrical vessel having top and bottom walls; a double venturi tube extending downwardly through the center of said vessel from a first venturi port in the said top wall of said vessel to a second venturi port in the said bottom wall of said vessel; a first vena contracta in said venturi tube positioned intermediately between said top and bottom ports, said first vena contracta communicating with the interior of said vessel; a second vena contracta in said venturi tubenear the bottom thereof, said second vena contracta communicating with the interior of said vessel at the lowest level thereof and thus comprising an effluent port for said vessel; a recirculation conduit joining said venturi tube at a point between said first and second vena contractas and extending thence upwardly to a higher position within said vessel, said recirculation conduit including flow control means and flow measuring means and a length adapted to contain a solid but pervious substance for treatment of the fluid passing therethrough; and an aspiration port in the top wall of said vessel.

14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said recirculation conduit extends upwardly along a wall of said vessel and includes a rotameter, a restriction orifice and a length above said restriction orifice for containing said treatment substance, said length communicating with a supply port in the top wall of said vessel.

15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said venturi tube is adapted to be connected to a common water faucet.

16. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said aspiration port is adapted to be connected to a flexible aspirator conduit. 

